Tuesday, January 07, 2014

Speaking of sports

Back after a week's hiatus, our regular Tuesday discussion of all things sports.

Couple of topics to kick things off.

Deng-nation! Anyone who predicted that the Bulls will make the playoffs want to change his or her forecast? In a white-flag trade, the14-18 Bulls traded all-star Luol Deng to the 11-23 Cleveland Cavaliers for salary-cap room and an assortment of draft choices. I'm OK with it -- they weren't going anywhere this season anyway -- but I'm not a season ticket holder or diehard fan.

BCS bliss. That was a great championship game if you didn't really care who won. I can't feel too sorry for Auburn and their fans -- the team had two very lucky victories this season and did the school proud. Florida State's Heisman Trophy QB Jameis Winston was only just good enough -- he lingers in the pocket too long if you ask me.

Interest in rooting? Who are you rooting for in the NFL playoffs and why? I have to go a long way down my rooting-interest chart to think up a reason to care about any of the remaining teams. Here's my very tepid order of preference followed by the lame reason:

1. 49ers -- because my son now lives in the Bay area and has adopted the 49ers as his second favorite team because his girlfriend's parents are big 49ers fans.

2. Broncos -- I like Denver and I like Payton Manning.

3. Colts -- a midwest team

4. Saints -- I like New Orleans and I like Drew Brees.

5. Seahawks -- most deserving

6. Patriots -- my college roommate has adopted them and their quarterback, Tom Brady, is a Michigan man

7. Chargers -- the underdog factor, historically speaking

8. Panthers -- I can't think of a reason to root for them.

Even though I'm clearly not engaged with these playoffs, I still contend that this coming weekend -- four pivotal games -- is the best weekend for spectator sports on the entire calendar.

Karma in Evanston. Northwestern is great school in a wonderful location and yet has stunk in basketball lo these many years because virtually every top recruit from the Chicago area chooses to go elsewhere. Like in 1992 when a senior at Glenbrook North High School was Illinois' Mr. Basketball, a McDonald's All American and the national 3 point champion -- he could have turned around the Wildcat program but, like Jabari Parker, the most recent Mr. Basketball, he chose to attend Duke. That 1992 grad was current NU coach Chris Collins, whose team appears destined to be aced out of the NCAA tournament yet again.

Slip slidin' away -- Excited about the Winter Olympics yet? The competitions I mean, not the political theater and potential violence.

I loved the hockey in the 2010 Olympics and I thought it did the Blackhawks young players a lot of good to play in that environment. Now, with half the team- 10 players representing Canada, USA, Sweden, Slovakia and the Czech Republic- I am dreading it. They are all 4 years older and they have to travel halfway around the world to play in what is basically an exhibition tournament. They've all played in a high pressure environment already so now there will be no new experience gained. And if someone gets hurt?

In short, I wish they would all skip the Olympics, take the 20 days rest and let all of the other NHL's best players exhaust themselves.

I question whether being a "great school" gives any University an edge in recruiting blue-chip athletes these days. The best of the best basketball players hardly hang around their schools long enough to earn a varsity letter: see Rose, Derrick M.

I'm content to have my alma mater continue to be the only school in the Chicago area to have won the NCAA men's basketball crown. Go Ramblers!

Re. NFL Playoffs:
No rooting interest is tough, and there's only one team I'll actively root against left; the Patriots (can't stand Belichek, among other things). I guess I'm rooting for Seattle in the NFC (my college QB, and a team that's never won) and San Diego in the AFC (underdog factor, and I love those powder blues ;-). A Patriots-Saints or Patriots-Niners Super Bowl and I'd have absolutely zero interest, aside from the commercials and the hope that there's a blizzard that squashes the idea of a northern climate, outdoor stadium ever hosting the Super Bowl again... what a dumb idea that was...

I'm mixed on the Olympic hockey; it's fun to watch but I am also concerned about injuries to Blackhawks... I can't imagine losing Kane or Sharpie or Hossa to an injury in what amounts to a glorified exhibition... I'm keeping my fingers crossed they all make through unscathed.

Deng, well, eh... I just don't care about the NBA anymore I guess. I love the sport of basketball and love college hoops but the NBA holds almost no appeal for me... I wouldn't mind if they went on strike, frankly... glorified one-on-one and it oozes vanity... I prefer the team game.

Now NCAA hoops, and especially my 15-0, fourth ranked Badgers, is something to get excited about. We get a chance to knock the Illini back out of the rankings tomorrow night and actually have a fairly easy schedule until the beginning of February when we get OSU and Mich State within one week (though the Big Ten is always tough and there are few easy games in conference, especially on the road). I'm feeling really good about they're chances at a run in March...

And yes, extremely excited for the Olympics! I get into all the sports, many of which I watch only once every four years... curling, luge, bobsledding; I mean c'mon, how often do we get this stuff? Though I admit, if we got it more than once every four years I would probably not care to watch...

And as bad as it is, I have to admit, I'd like there to be some kind of problem with the overall organization of the Games; whether bad weather, gay rights protests, transportation or other infrastructure dilemmas... I just want Putin to get some egg on his face and have his PR ploy of the Games backfire on him. That said, I do not want to see anyone hurt, even though I am quite fearful that people will be in one form or another, as I said in my predictions for the year... we've already seen two recent bombings in Russia and there are many that would like to make an international statement during the Games. I pray that does not happen though.

Rooting interest: Plus, the 49ers have an ex-Michigan QB as coach (Harbaugh). I wish the Blue had been able to snag him as head coach (or the Bears). The scuttlebutt I heard was that his wife likes living in N. California, and under no circumstances was willing to move to the midwest - due to its winters. (Which, after this weekend, I perfectly understand.)

"Florida State's Heisman Trophy QB Jameis Winston was only just good enough"

He's darn good at avoiding sexual assault charges and having prosecutors laugh about it though.

Sorry Jim, but I'm with Kip on this; there's a lot of great Blackhawks talent on various teams and Olympic hockey is going to be fun to watch. Sadly, it'll be ignored in prime time in favor of art events like ice dancing and figure skating because that's what gets the ratings. (And this being NBC, all the primetime events will be aired nearly a day later after everyone knows the results and with 75% of each hour being schmaltzy profiles.)

Only 37 days until spring training!

Predictions for the Hall of Fame tomorrow, folks? I'm saying Frank Thomas, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, with Edgar Martinez, Tim Raines and Biggio/Bagwell on the outside looking in. Martinez gets dinged for playing a 40-year-old position, Raines for not being Ricky Henderson and Biggio/Bagwell for having completely unsubstantiated (as far as anyone can tell) PED rumors.

@ EZ - Give the Panthers another look. They are a young, scrappy team that gets it done with defense and running the ball. The best reason to root for them is that their coach, Ron Rivera, is a former Chicago Bears player and coach. He's generally regarded as a "good guy" and makes frequent appearances on Chicago sports radio. Also, Lovie Smith fired him for no good reason and replaced him with one of Lovie's buddies. Sweet revenge if he goes on to lead another team to the Super Bowl.

On the AFC side I'm pulling for the Broncos so that Peyton Manning can have as many Super Bowl wins as Eli. In terms of who I'm rooting against; I'm tired of Bill Belichick and Sean Payton so it would be fine with me if the Pats and Saints lose this weekend.

--3 of the 4 playoff games this past weekend were ridiculously compelling and 2 of those 3 were played outdoors in ultra-wintery conditions. Bring on a Northern Super Bowl!! and then put one here and one in Lambeau in the few years.

ZORN REPLY -- The idjits who designed Soldier Field this time around didn't make it big enough by NFL rules to host a Super Bowl. Good idea, though!

Agree with JJF abt 'hawks at the big o, though Carmignani has a point abt rest & possible hurt.

Pats, i guess, because of Brady, but P Manning also draws admiration.

Anyone watching sunday's sports must find SOMETHING pleasurable if only for a moment.

Personal:
Last grandkid left for home today from ORD. Grandchildren, such a joy, multiple visits, much interaction, many hugs & kisses. Please yearn for gchildren and the pleasure & love they bring! Ours are all teens and marvelous because of very good parenting. Please raise your children well so that they can reward you with loveable grandchildren.

1. Saints - they were so bad when I was growing up, I'm happy for them now. Colston is from my hometown.

2. Colts - good old school NFL team

3. Panthers - no reason not to

4. Seahawks - not an AFC west rival anymore nor do they have Eric's long lost cousin Jim quarterbacking for them.

5. Chargers - Saint Al (God rest his soul) was once a Charger but I don't wish them well.

6. 49ers - in a normal year, I would rank them last. I despise them and their disgusting fans.

7. Patriots - I will forever hate them with every fiber in my being for the snow bowl / tuck rule.

8. Broncos - (unfit to print)

Eric - how can anyone have a "second favorite team?" Please. You get one team per sport. I'm sure your son is a great guy but he needs to either formally adopt the 49ers or stick with his team. Sports bigamy is appalling to true fans.

Deng-Nation: I'm not a Bulls fan but if I were, I'd say it's time for Taj and Jimmy Butler to showcase what they have and give the Bulls something to build on. A future core of Noah-Taj-Butler and maybe Augustin and Rose isn't too shabby at all come to think of it.

Winter Olympics: I am a 'Hawks fan (the one team I adopted when I moved here in '02) and it will be fun to watch the guys but please, please, please no injuries.

Any time I hear them jabbering about the Bulls' players on WSCR, I tune out because it is meaningless. They are not going anywhere with this roster. Yet I hear it is almost impossible for them to miss the playoffs. What a league. Only a handful of teams have a realistic chance of winning the championship, so much of it is really just an exhibition.

ZORN REPLY -- The idjits who designed Soldier Field this time around didn't make it big enough by NFL rules to host a Super Bowl. Good idea, though!

True, but if we've learned anything about rules and the NFL it's that rules are fungible. And if the Super Bowl works in NJ than having one in the stadium of the charter franchise makes all the sense in the world. If I were the McCaskey's I would loudly demand it.

"Eric - how can anyone have a "second favorite team?" Please. You get one team per sport. I'm sure your son is a great guy but he needs to either formally adopt the 49ers or stick with his team. Sports bigamy is appalling to true fans."

Well if Greg J says so then it must be so. Is it okay if I have a second favorite: food, drink, movie, karma sutra position?

In hearing what people are saying, sounds like Deng is a class act. His parting words, as he heads to Cleveland:
"You will hear a lot of can't and a lot of won't, but you give it everything you can because you believe in yourself and your teammates. You push yourself with your heart, mind and soul, and smile every night knowing you put love and passion into it. Thank you, Chicago."

Hmmm, ... well, if you are a fan of a certain food to the point where you spend money to attend events and cheer for it, wear apparel with the food's logo, spend a lot of time dissecting the strong and weak points of its every performance, talk s_t and take it from fans of other foods, and are elated or crushed when it fares well or poorly in a competition or season, then you definitely shouldn't have a second-favorite food.

What if we just enjoy it? As many of us do for our "favorite" sports teams...

I guess I'm a sports bigamist, as I have multiple teams that I regularly root for. I do have one "favorite" in each sport, as well as two to four other teams that I follow and root for. I find it increases not only my ability to participate in watching these sports, but also my interest in the sport as a whole. It also means that I get to be crushed multiple times each season (or even each week), as it never seems that any of my favorites ever, ever win ;-)

But after all, variety is the spice of life!

I also have multiple teams that I actively root against (for instance, in the NFL, Dallas, New England, Green Bay and the New York Giants, in that order)...

bruceL - apparently you didn't learn all the lessons you needed to when you were in Madison....

Oh well, I'm willing to overlook that as the basketball season continues along with the undefeated Badgers leading the big ten! (as long as you enroll in the "Debearification" program we offer before next season!)

I look forward to the Winter Olympics, but not how NBC broadcasts them, with incessant USA cheerleading and covering only those events that have Americans competing. There are three local guys among the long distance skaters, which includes Shani Davis and a high school boy from Oak Park High School.

@Greg J: I think there can be a place for "second-favorite teams." Personally, I have favorite teams in baseball and basketball: the Cubs and the Bulls, respectively. I'll watch games on television, attend games in person, follow the team's fortunes, and buy the occasional piece of apparel or memorabilia regardless of wins and losses. But I think there's something to be said for having a rooting interest in another club. I have no connection to Tampa Bay or San Antonio, but I really enjoy watching the Rays and the Spurs. Those teams embody what I like to see out of baseball and basketball, and if I'm not seeing those qualities in my "favorite" teams, well...I'm glad they exist somewhere out there in the league, and I'm happy to devote a limited portion of sports bandwidth to following them, not because I'll root for them through thick and thin, but because I like the cut of their jib at this particular moment.

Actually, I didn't mind the Packers before I got to Madison, even kinda liked them, but a few years of living there and, more importantly, bartending there developed in me an ill-regard for them that I will never shake... the Sunday gameday shifts that I had to work with the obnoxious fans will stay with me forever; those were brutal. It was during the Favre era, and the fact that they lost three straight years to the hated Cowboys (93, 94 and 95 seasons) just cemented my ill feelings toward them.

I have been to Lambeau though, which an experience everyone should have at least once... preferably a September or early October game when it's tolerable weather-wise though.

Enjoy it however you want of course but how much cooler is it when your favorite team wins it all. The best sports experience I've had was when my Angels won the WS in 2002 after years of futility. Also, part of what I like about sports is the back and forth with true fans of my team and other teams. A Raider fan with multiple teams isn't really one of "us" and I will grudgingly but sincerely respect a true Chiefs fan who is celebrating a victory. But if it's some guy with multiple teams who is celebrating a win? I'll ask him how his other teams did that day and how much room is left on the bandwagon. It's just not the same.

bruceL - those were brutal defeats! Man I hated the 'boys back then. I'll bet you were treated pretty well at Lambeau - at least before the game. Did you get by the tailgaters who play the bears song no matter who is playing? One of my favorites :-). (and apologies, apparently my capital b key doesn't work on this old pc)

I don't much care for the Olympics anymore. They're too political, too expensive for the host country, and too controlled by the network broadcasting events (they cherry-pick what we're allowed to view).

As for the NFL playoffs, I don't have a favorite team this year, but I usually go with the NFC winner in the Superbowl.

BTW, could anyone tell me why a shortage of Velveeta cheese will upset football fans?

I think it is perfectly legit to have a second-favorite team in NFL, especially if you are like me and are not originally from Chicago but hear grown men talk about the Bears like they are their high school alma mater, instead of a corporate outlet that reliably churns millions for its wealthy family owner. NFL still maintains a fairly meaningful conference division, so it kind of makes sense to have a favorite team in each/

Wendy The thing is that the classic, basic Super Bowl recipe consists of two ingredients, plus chips: Velveeta and RoTel.

Maybe that's just it, none of my favorite teams (save the Blackhawks, thankfully) ever seem to win a championship ;-) And my "also-ran" teams don't either. But at least that goes to show I'm not just a bandwagon jumper...

I think Edge of 14th said it right... there are some "other" teams that you root for because you like their style... Though San Antonio and Tampa Bay are far from that for me (in the NBA, I only hate the Lakers and, more recently, Miami more than the Spurs; and I'll only root for the Devil Rays if they're playing the Yankees, or maybe the White Sox)

And funny, I hate the White Sox, but yet I still spend more money on them every year than most teams (excepting the Cubs) as I go to around ten games a year... though I'll usually root for whoever is visiting (unless it's the Yankees!). And I've spent a good amount on the Yankees and Red Sox because I enjoy going to games at Yankee Stadium (well, I used to; pre-2009... don't care for the new stadium so much) and Fenway (and no, not much of a BoSox fan either), but I'm not a fan of either. So money spent on a team doesn't really translate to fandom... I just like really baseball... especially in good stadiums.

"Deng, well, eh... I just don't care about the NBA anymore I guess. I love the sport of basketball and love college hoops but the NBA holds almost no appeal for me... I wouldn't mind if they went on strike, frankly... glorified one-on-one and it oozes vanity... I prefer the team game."

The team game? I assume you don't watch much NBA basketball. I always laugh when someone says they prefer the college game over the NBA.

Anyone with any basketball knowledge knows that college hoops is an awful product. The only redeemable quality is the NCAA tournament--if you're into filing out brackets.

A reason to root for Carolina could be that Ron Rivera, the head coach, is a former Bears linebacker. Were he to be induced to return to Chicago as coach, he could possibly make the Bears' defense fearsome again.

You think none of your teams ever win a championship? Try being a Raiders/ Angels/Wizards fan. At least I have the Blackhawks.

Oh, I totally get that there are other teams one roots for because of style or other reasons. I just don't consider them "favorites" of any kind where I actually get into them. I like the White Sox, Orioles, Bills, Ravens (sometimes), Bucks and Pacers for various reasons. I root against all AFC West teams, Boston-area teams, and of course the Heat, Yankees, and Red Wings.

Like you, I'm always up for baseball in a good stadium. Camden Yards is my favorite outside of Angel Stadium. What is your all-time favorite?

Speaking of style, I do appreciate die hard Sox fans. One of my friends used to be a bartender at a bar on Clark just outside Wrigley. He's a big Sox fan and at work he'd wear a Sox jersey and the hat of the team who was playing the Cubs that day. At 6-3 and over 300lbs., and control of the taps, he didn't get a lot of flak from Cubs fans.

Carolina will always be an expansion team, certainly as long as they keep those terrible colors. Same with Jacksonville. Even in 100 years regardless of how good they are, they'll still be expansion, in the words of Judge Smales, "Let's face it, son. Some people SIMPLY DO NOT BELONG."

And Q's right about the Bears. All pro sports teams are like that to a large extent, but those owners are a great argument against nepotism. They haven't had a real QB in 20 years.

@Jose: Tell me about it. For some reason, people who don't like the NBA *really* feel compelled to let you know how much they don't like the NBA. I'm not a big football fan, but when friends of mine start talking about the Bears or the NFL playoffs I generally bide my time, or change the subject, or tune out. I don't go on and on about my gripes with the product, or how other leagues or better, or how I "prefer the purity of the college game." Please.

@Bruce L: Not to pick on you, but how can you profess to love the "team game" and yet also hate the Spurs? San Antonio would seem to be right up your alley, given their style of play.

Regarding Deng, he was my favorite Bull and I'm sorry to see him go, but it had to be done. Assuming the Bulls also jettison Carlos Boozer, next year's team could be a lot of fun to watch. Imagine a core of Rose, Noah, Butler, Gibson, Snell, and two (potentially three) players from the top half of the 2014 draft. Then add one Nikola Mirotic to the mix, and you've got a young, talented team with a very high ceiling.

For a taste of what the Bulls might have in Mirotic, check out this video scouting report (skip to ~ 1:10 for game footage);

Agreed, but by the time it was all said and done didn't Frank Thomas play more games at DH than at first base? Of course, his numbers are unassailable. I doubt Martinez will ever make it into the Hall of Fame, but I like David Ortiz's chances, especially if he reaches 500 home runs (he has an outside shot).

I'm with you guys regarding the NBA. Edge hit the nail on the head with the comment about people who love to put down the NBA. Anyone who says that they don't play defense or that it's not a team game or that the players don't try doesn't know what he's talking about. The college game is too methodical and it's all about the coaches. I agree with Jose that the only good part of the college game is NCAA tournament time - and then only the gambling part.

I guess the Bulls trading Deng was the right move. I was surprised to hear today that he was the fourth-leading scorer in Bulls' history. He didn't seem to be appreciated as much as he maybe should have been, although his teammates and coach Thibodeau spoke highly of him today.

I'm not too enthused about the NFL playoffs this year; I don't have a favorite although I guess I'll root for the Panthers since some of my family live in Raleigh. And I'd be happy for Ron Rivera as well.

I'll watch some hockey in the Olympics, also probably some figure skating. And some of the Opening Ceremony if I'm home, that should be interesting. I wonder if the athletes are at all apprehensive about going; let's hope there are no incidents of terrorism or violence.

Baseball HOF announcement at 1pm: no doubt Maddux, Glavine and Big Hurt are in. Only question is who else. My guess is BlackJack Morris squeaks by in his last chance, even though it should have been years ago. Biggio gets slighted again, this time by five or fewer votes. The "Drug Lords" continue to languish in the 20s and 30s.

What can I say, when ya hot, ya hot! I can't believe Morris LOST that many votes though. Maybe the BBWAA is skewing too young, to guys who didn't see him dominating some of the biggest games of the 80s/90s. Here's to hoping he doesn't get "Santoed" in the Veterans Committee.

Lee Smith, no. I'll never forget the winning home run he gave up to Steve Garvey of the Padres in 1984 National League playoffs. He had a powerful fast ball, but he's not Hall of Fame material. Bruce Sutter was the ultimate Cubs closer.

About "Change of Subject."

"Change of Subject" by Chicago Tribune op-ed columnist Eric Zorn contains observations, reports, tips, referrals and tirades, though not necessarily in that order. Links will tend to expire, so seize the day. For an archive of Zorn's latest Tribune columns click here. An explanation of the title of this blog is here. If you have other questions, suggestions or comments, send e-mail to ericzorn at gmail.com.
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Contributing editor Jessica Reynolds is a 2012 graduate of Loyola University Chicago and is the coordinator of the Tribune's editorial board. She can be reached at jreynolds at tribune.com.